Setting up on a slope? Outriggers and spreader pads must be on level and stable ground.

The IPAF Operators’ Safety Guide for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (also known as Aerial Work Platforms) is a pocket-size publication that sets out the recommended working practices for the safe operation of MEWPs/AWPs over a wide range of applications, from initial checks, through transport and positioning on site, to carrying out the required tasks.

Attach Your Lanyard. Always attach the lanyard to an anchorage point in boom type MEWPs.

Beware of falling objects. Organize a drop zone clear of the MEWP base.

Unsafe ground? Always check ground conditions – plan your route.

Caution when loading and unloading. Always load and unload MEWPs safely.

Never attach banners to MEWPs. Always remember a banner can act like a sail.

This guidance is intended to assist companies to demonstrate the independence, impartiality and integrity of the 2nd party inspection/examination bodies that they employ.

This guideline sets out recommendations to ensure that MCWPs are installed, maintained, examined and used in a safe manner.

Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Handover Certificate

Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Load Chart

Have you been familiarized? Familiarization prevents incorrect use.

It is essential that MEWPs are secured and managed correctly to ensure that only competent and nominated personnel operate the equipment in accordance with the employer’s safe system of work. All MEWPs should be stored in a safe and secure manner when left unattended.

The purpose of this guidance is to develop a standard approach to the generation and circulation of safety alerts in the MEWP industry.

Scissor lifts are not designed to hold banners. Attaching banners to a scissor lift will increase the surface area and create a "sail board” effect which will destabilize or potentially turn over a MEWP.

Normal and auxiliary control systems built into a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) will allow the operator to bring the platform of the machine safely to ground level under controlled conditions. It is extremely unusual not to be able to lower the platform using these controls or for all of these systems to fail. The following is an example of a rescue plan for people who work at height using a MEWP.

Check your MEWP! Conduct a pre-use check to make sure the MEWP is safe to use before starting work.

Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) Thorough/ Frequent Examination form.

This publication gives guidance to the organisation that has control of the planning, management and use of the MEWP on-site.

Overhead obstructions. Always be aware of your surroundings and identify crush hazards when moving the platform.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to lift people to a position where they can work at height safely within the platform.

Access International is the official magazine of IPAF.